February 8/11 13:49 pm - Cycling (in the) News

Contador doping 'not significant' - federationSpain's cycling federation justified its decision to seek a one-year ban for Alberto Contador, rather than the usual two years, by saying his responsibility appeared to be minimal, a Spanish newspaper said Tuesday.

"The negligence of the cyclist was not significant ... as the simple presence of the substance in his body does not imply a violation of fair play," the federation, RFEC, said in a report, according to the sports daily Marca.Read more: AFP

Contador submits final defence to overturn banContador submitted further documentation to Spanish cycling authorities to demonstrate his positive test for clenbuterol from contaminated meat was due to “no fault or negligence.” Read more: Times Live

Ricco admits blood transfusion caused hospitalisationItalian cyclist Ricardo Ricco admitted today that a blood transfusion led to his hospitalisation. It counts for the second doping incident with the 2008 Tour de France and will likely lead to at least a five-year ban.

Cycling-Italian anti-doping body opens proceedings against RiccoCyclist Riccardo Ricco faces disciplinary proceedings after reports he had performed a blood transfusion on himself, the Italian anti-doping body said in a statement on Tuesday.Read more: Reuters

Riders protest as communication breaks down relations with world bodyThe world body of cycling risks losing the support of its most valuable asset – the professional riders – over the way it has pushed ahead with plans to ban the use of race radios that maintain communication between the peloton and team cars.

Most riders oppose the Union Cycliste Internationale's ban on race radios that this season is for all but the top-tier World Tour events.Read more: Sydney Morning Herald

Italian cycling family get doping bansItalian cyclist Lorenzo Bernucci, a former team-mate of ace sprinter Alessandro Petacchi, was slapped with a five year ban on Tuesday by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) while four members of his family also received bans for their involvement in a doping ring.Read more: AFP

2012 Olympic Games road race route recceWith 18 months to go before the start of the 2012 Olympic Games, the route of the men's and women's road race is expected to be officially announced this week. Read more: Cycling Weekly

Peddling new ideasThe bicycle industry needs to move away from unsuitable sporty racing bikes and focus on the needs of non-enthusiasts if cycling is to become a mode of transport used by the majority. Anna Norman looks at the latest developments in urban bicycles.Read more: mad.co.uk

BBC Presents A History of the Bicycle - target=_blank>On Your BikeListen to the first installments of this 10 part series at BBC

Township gets rolling on bike lanesHundreds of kilometres of bike lanes could be built in Langley over the next three decades.

Now Township planners have to decide which to build first.

Municipal staff are sifting through comments received after consulting with the cycling community in January.Read more: Langley Advance

Cyclists Violate State And Local Laws Without ConsequenceWhile some group rides are scrutinized and targeted for police action, other group rides that commit similar violations continue without consequence.Read more: Long Beach Post

Compulsory cycle helmets - what's the proofDoctors are applauding members of the Northern Ireland assembly for voting in favour of a bill to make the wearing of cycle helmets compulsory.

The British Medical Association believes it is a great way to prevent injuries and save lives.

But opponents say such a move could be detrimental to the nation's health, arguing it will put people off using their bike and getting much-needed exercise.Read more: BBC

Cyclists look at winter and let out laughIf you dreaded the sprint to your car the last few days because you were afraid of your face freezing off, Winnipeg's hardiest commuters have a message for you -- suck it up already.

The bone-chilling temperatures and biting winds were nothing more than minor irritations for hard-core cyclists, who headed outside with no more concern than most of us would have during a sunny day in June.Read more: Winnipeg Free Press